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If you love political secrets, you’ll be in for a treat this October when a novel hits shelves from an interesting new perspective: that of former Secretary of State and Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Clinton collaborates with award-winning Canadian mystery writer Louise Penny to write State of Terror, which tells the story of a newly appointed US Secretary of State who must solve a series of terrorist attacks. The book hits shelves October 12 and is co-published by the publishers of Clinton and Penny, Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press.
The state of terror comes immediately after a four-year presidential tenure that pulled America off the world stage. A new foreign minister is appointed by her political rival and the country is hit by several terrorist attacks shortly afterwards. The secretary needs to assemble a team that is able to find the source of the attacks while preventing the American government from collapsing.
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Clinton’s political experience influences various aspects of the new novel. After losing to former President Barack Obama in the 2008 election, Clinton was appointed four-year Secretary of State by Obama. The novel is also influenced by the Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy tactics.
Clinton’s and Penny’s new co-writing relationship comes after years of friendship. The Clinton family vacationed in Quebec’s Eastern Township as Penny’s guests, and Penny recently appeared on Clinton’s podcast You and Me Both. “Writing a thriller with Louise is a dream come true,” Clinton said in a state of terror statement. “I enjoyed each of their books and their characters as well as their friendship. Now we combine our experiences to explore the complex world of high-stakes diplomacy and betrayal. “
Penny said she “couldn’t say yes fast enough” to write a book with Clinton. “Before we started, we talked about her time as Foreign Minister. What was your worst nightmare? “State of Terror” is the answer. “
This isn’t the first political mystery or thriller novel written by a politician. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, teamed up with bestselling author James Patterson to write The President is Missing in June 2018 and recently announced a second book, due out in June 2021: The President’s Daughter. Fans of politician and activist Stacey Abrams may be familiar with her romance novels, which were written under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery. Abram’s first political riddle, “While Justice Sleeps,” hits shelves on May 25th. Other politicians from Winston Churchill to Jimmy Carter have also tried fiction writing.
While State of Terror is Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first novel, she is best known for her memoirs and nonfiction, from It Takes a Village, published during her time as First Lady, to What Happened, which details her experiences during the 2016 election to be discribed.
Although Louise Penny is not a politician, she brings a wealth of mystery writing experience with her. Her best-known work is the series Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, which is set in a picturesque Quebec village. The series is currently being adapted as a television series by Amazon.
State of Terror marks a change of scene for Penny’s novels, but coupled with Clinton’s political experience, it’s sure to be an exhilarating ride. “What an incredible experience to get into the State Department,” Penny said in a statement. “In the White House. In the mind of the Foreign Minister, crises explode with high stakes. “
Continue reading:
Excerpts from Hillary Clinton’s memoir What Happened
Quiz: Which Political Thriller Should You Read?
25 must-read books to understand politics and political issues
